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72&Rising Magazine

An Introduction to Nature at Minyon Falls

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By Rowena Mynott

The boarder between the Australian states of Queensland and New South Wales is a stunning location. Situated in the ancient caldera of the Tweed shield volcano its spectacular scenery has been the result of 23 million years of erosion. This part of Australia is very popular with tourists, but most prefer to stick to the beaches and with almost white sand, stunning clear water and great surf who can blame them. But there is a different world available as soon as you venture inland: our national parks.

We are incredibly lucky to live in this area. After all, we get the best of both worlds – the stunning beaches with their renowned surf, the oceans brimming with incredible marine life and the remnant sub-tropical rainforests with stunning geological architecture. My family and I are regular beach goers, but I’d wanted to get my two year old out amongst the national parks since he was born. For one reason or another we had only made it once and even then it was only a brief stop after getting lost on the unpaved roads. This time I was ready. I had a packed lunch, directions, a car full of gas and an enthusiastic child that was eager to see a waterfall. I’d decided to start him off with a trip to Minyon Falls.

Minyon Falls is situated in the World Heritage Listed Nightcap National Park in New South Wales. The water flowing over the Rhyolitic based 100m falls comes from Repentance Creek, a shallow wide meandering waterway that pools out in places to provide perfect swimming or lounging areas.

We set off early and after tackling the unpaved roads full off potholes, we were the first to arrive. The car park was empty and the wildlife was out and about, yet to be disturbed by noisy tourists. Mr 2 has been learning the benefits of keeping quiet whilst out and about in nature so he became as stealthy as a ninja as we walked from the car park to the walking trail.

There are a couple of hiking options for exploration at Minyon Falls. For those that would like a short walk to check out the falls but aren’t up for a full on walking boot, hiking pack and walking stick type hike, a raised deck has been installed for easy access from the carpark to the top of the falls. From here a large deck expands out to allow you to take in the breathtaking vista over the valleys below. This is also great for those in wheelchairs and strollers.

There are a couple of hiking options for exploration at Minyon Falls. For those that would like a short walk to check out the falls but aren’t up for a full on walking boot, hiking pack and walking stick type hike, a raised deck has been installed for easy access from the carpark to the top of the falls. From here a large deck expands out to allow you to take in the breathtaking vista over the valleys below. This is also great for those in wheelchairs and strollers.

A slightly longer walk leaves from the carpark at Minyon Falls and ambles along the creek towards Rummery Park campground. It is an easy two-kilometre walk that takes about half an hour each way. There are pools to swim in and ancient trees to admire.

Feeling a little more adventurous? A walking track leads to the base of the falls from Minyon Falls picnic area. It’s a two hour, four kilometre round trek that will test your fitness as there will be some rock clambering involved, but will reward you with stunning plunge pools to swim in at the bottom of the falls.

The facilities at the top of the falls are pretty good. Toilets are available as well as barbecues, and picnic tables. There is no drinking water available anywhere in the park so be sure to bring enough, especially if you are tackling the longer walks.

Regardless of your reason for visiting the falls, to hike, to walk, to picnic, or to just breathe in the fresh mountain air, this prehistoric-like rainforest will rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.